About the P.L. Wilson Detachment

The P. L. Wilson Detachment is named after a Marine Percival Lowe Wilson, a hero of WW I and WWII.  P.L. Wilson was born on March 24, 1897, and was commissioned a 2 Lt. in May, 1917.  That same year, he reported to Quantico, VA to serve in the 5 Regiment, 4 Brigade.  His original serial no. was 01241 USMC.  He served with the Marine 2^nd Division American Expedition Forces and spent one year in France, where he was wounded at the Battle of Belleau Wood. It was here that he was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Croix DeFleurre, a French medal awarded for gallantry in action. He was medically retired 6 September 1919.

Not content to sit out the next World War, P.L. Wilson re-upped and reported on 15 October 1942, to Quantico, VA, where he served as Adj. Secretary, to the Marine Corps School until September 1943.  From here he was assigned to “A” Tractor Unit, U.S. Marine Corps, for combat service but was injured in the line of duty and recommended for release from active duty 23 May 1945 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

P. L. Wilson received a Citation for Meritorious Service from 25 January to 1 August 1944 for developing the Wilson Drum.

The P.L. Wilson Detachment was founded on April 15 1979. Its charter members are Ken Skipper, Gene Salter, Ezell Walker, Robert Brewer, Thomas Turner, Earl Dodson, Fernwood Woodie Van, Sandy Galdis and George Hartze.  Our Detachment is one of nine other detachments in this state.  Together, they form Department of Alabama.  Several Departments form the Southeast Region.

All Detachments, Departments and Regions have elected officers.  Our Detachment has the following officers; Commandant, Senior-Vice Commandant, Junior-Vice Commandant, Judge Advocate, Adjutant, Paymaster, Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms. Some of these positions are appointed by the Commandant others are elected by the detachment’s members. Elections are held once a year and only regular members can vote.